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Recent
new works...?
The Son of the Virgin (2011)
SA, piano
This text, originally in the Catalan dialect, is generally associated
with Christmas. It tells of giving various gifts - things that would
have been familiar to the writer of the text - to the infant Jesus:
raisins, olives, figs, sweet honey etc. There is a metaphorical hint of
the events of Easter in the last lines. “The Son of the Virgin” was
written for a choir workshop with students of Ascham School (Sydney,
Australia) when they visited St Mary’s College in Auckland as part of
their tour to New Zealand in 2011.
Shine Out, Fair Sun (2011)
SATB, piano
The poem “Shine Out, Fair Sun” is generally deemed to be by an anonymous
author, although it has also been credited to George Chapman
(1559?-1634). It contrasts the heat and light of the sun with the winter
landscape, calling on the sun to “…make this winter night our beauty’s
Spring”. “Shine Out, Fair Sun” was written for Choralation (conductor:
Rowan Johnston), the mixed-voice choir of Westlake Girls’ and Westlake
Boys’ High Schools.
Something Told the Wild Geese (2011)
SATB, piano
A setting of the short poem by Rachel Lyman Field (1894-1942) which
tells of the geese that, in spite of still seeing the golden fields of
summer, can feel the urge to begin their winter migration. Something
tells them that frost and snow are on the way and it is time to fly.
Even though the summer sun is on their wings, there is “winter in their
cry”.
Escape at Bedtime (2011)
SA, piano
From Robert Louis Stevenson’s collection “A Child’s Garden of Verses”
this fantastical poem tells of a child’s impressions of nighttime and
the “thousands of millions of stars” which appear to be chasing him or
her. Even when packed off to bed, the sight of the stars remains in the
child’s mind’s eye. Several star constellations are named in the poem.
“Escape at Bedtime” was commissioned by Sydney Grammar School for the
school’s music tour to New Zealand in 2011.
Song in Summer (2011)
SA, piano
A movement from "Down on teh Farm" setting a Ruth Dallas poem about the
constantly changing colours of the flowers in a summer meadow.
The Shop of Dreams (2011)
SAB choir, piano
This cycle of pieces sets lullaby texts, although in a couple of
instances I have taken this idea quite liberally. The cycle’s title
comes from the first text, by American Mary Jane Carr, where it is
imagined that a shop on a hill sells the dreams that we experience at
night. The second text, by an unknown poet, addresses itself to the
little fish in the ocean who can rest now that the boat’s crew is asleep
and fishing is done for the day. One challenge with this cycle was to
avoid it becoming terribly soporific! So the third text comes from one
of my favourite American poets, Jack Prelutsky. If you dream of
chickens,. there might be unexpected consequences! The fourth poem, an
anonymous text from America, likens the baby’s bed to a boat sailing the
skies - a not uncommon metaphor. The fifth text, again anonymous, is a
lullaby describing the elements of the natural landscape in autumn. Each
of the animals has its particular place to sleep but “…my baby's nest is
her little bed”. The sixth text is by popular New Zealand poet and
author Margaret Mahy. Again there is a dramatic change of mood. In
Mahy’s poem the house is full of the noise and clatter one associates
with a household full of children, yet baby is somehow managing to fall
asleep amidst the “racket and rumpus”. The final text is by nineteenth
century poet Christina Rossetti and returns to the familiar world of
traditional lullabies. Here, the audience is also invited to join in the
music, and the cycle ends gently and quietly! “The Shop of Dreams” was
written for Pakuranga Choral Society for a concert conducted by the
composer in May 2011.
Down on the Farm (2011)
SAB choir, piano
This short cycle sets five poems by New Zealand writers. The texts all
deal with aspects of farming or typical farm landscapes. The first is a
witty story of a rather vain and fussy cow called Belinda, who wanted to
enter the cow beauty show. Arriving late, she had to be content with
being given some money by the man at the gate, for her own manicure set
and a mirror. The second text is a brief Ruth Dallas poem about the
constantly changing colours of the flowers in a summer meadow. The third
text is about a dog whose owner realises that a small garden was not
where the animal desired to live - he wanted to roam the hills as a
sheep dog. ‘Drought’, the fourth text, is a short poem describing the
landscape during a hot dry spell of weather. The final text tells of
beginning a new farm on land that has been let go to ragwort and fern.
“Down on the Farm” was written for perfomance by Mercury Bay Community
Choir (Whitianga) in a concert conducted by the composer in May 2011.
Tui (2010)
2 pianos - 8 hands
Based on the notated birdsong of the tui, this work for 4 pianists at 2
pianos was written for a group of students at university (including 2
ex-students of the composer) to use as part of their chamber music
studies and as a competition piece. A gentle and rhythmic work (it never
rises above mezzo-forte), the piece lasts about 5½ minutes.
The Voices of Children (2010)
SSA, piano
A setting of “Nurses’ Song” by English poet William Blake (1757-1827).
There are two versions of the poem. This second , and shorter, version
published in 1794’s “Songs of Experience” shows the Nurse as someone who
is bitter and jealous of the freedom of children’s play. This setting
was written for the inaugural SingDownunder choral festival in Auckland,
as a piece for the combined treble-voice choirs to perform. The music is
deesigned for quick learning, and features simple canonic textures.
Awful Ogre's Awful Day
(2005/2010)
solo alto and baritone, SATB choir, chamber orchestra
Setting texts from Jack Prelutsky's book "Awful Ogre's Awful Day", these
fun pieces tell the story of a day in the life of the title character.
Scored for small orchestra: 3 trumpets, 2 percussion, piano and strings,
this work is ideally suited to regional and community choirs, and is
very 'audience friendly'.
The Pale and Silver Moon's Blue
Silk and Blossom (2010)
SATB unaccompanied
Commissioned for the 25th anniversary of Auckland chamber choir Viva
Voce. The poem by Michael Reston, found on an internet poetry site, is a
short and atmospheric text. The music matches that mood, with slow
moving chords in the key of D flat major, and a richly textured choral
palette.
And Music's Power Obey (2010)
SATB, ensemble (flute, trumpet, timpani, violin, cello, piano, organ)
The text of the work is a set of three poems about music, speaking in
turn about its personal importance and effect, its use as a lullaby, and
its magical and healing properties. “And Music’s Power Obey” was written
at the request of conductor Peter Watts for performance by South
Auckland Choral Society.
Imagined Dances (2010)
flute, violin, guitar
“Imagined Dances” is a set of four pieces using traditional dance forms.
The first is the slow and stately sarabande from the Baroque period.
This dance form has a tendency to accentuate the second beat of the bar,
and in this sarabande there is a constant shift from major to minor and
back again. The second dance is Argentina’s tango - a seductive and
sensual dance with its distinctive accompaniment rhythm heard first in
the guitar. The third dance is a fast waltz, although in the middle the
energy slackens off a little for a while before resuming its hectic pace
through to the last bar. The final piece of the set is titled “Mexicana”
and doesn’t use any specific dance form, but does use rhythms typical of
Mexican folk music and dances, especially the huapango with its mix of
duple and triple rhythms. The pieces were written for student performers
in New Plymouth.
Me he korokoro tui (2009)
semi-chorus (SATB), SATB, organ
Commissioned for the Out and Loud Festival 2010. The words are a mix of
Maori and English, contemporary and traditional. They speak of singing,
and being united together in song. The words also refer to the tui, one
of New Zealand’s most musical song-birds.
Child of my Heart (2009)
SA, piano
This short work sets a poem by Edwin Markham (1852-1940), American poet,
teacher, lecturer and social activist. The poem “Child of My Heart”
addresses a new-born child directly, asking where it has come from and
questioning where life will lead it.
Prayer of a Woman (2009)
SSAA, 2 horns, harp
Returning once again to the poetry of Robin Hyde, this piece was written
for Mirinesse - a Seattle women's choir conducted by Rebecca Rottsolk.
Embrace the Night (2009)
SSA, piano
A Christmas piece, setting a poem by Clay Harrison (for whom, contact
information would be appreciated). This night is, of course, the night
Christ was born. Written for the annual Christmas concert at St Mary's
College, Auckland.
A Blessing for This Day (2009)
SA, piano
A short blessing for treble voices, the text of which calls for a
blessing on each part of the day from dawn to night. Written for St
Mary's Schola (St Mary's College, Auckland)
Hine e Hine (2009)
- two new versions
In addition to
previous arrangements of this popular Maori song for SSAA and SSATB,
there are now two new versions. One for solo soprano with SATB choir
(unaccompanied), and another for SSA choir with piano accompaniment.
Kristallnacht (2009)
flute, guitar, 2
percussion and piano
A chamber work based around the event known as Kristallnacht ("Night of
Broken Glass"), the 70th anniversary of which occurred in 2008. The
night, which is often considered the beginning of the Holocaust, saw
hundreds of Jews rounded up and killed, with many synagogues and
businesses ransacked. This chamber work, written for a group of senior
students at New Plymouth Boys' High School, is a rhythmic and dissonant
piece of writing for an unusual ensemble.
Father Bless
Me to the Dawn (2009)
SSAA unaccompanied
A short blessing for treble voices, setting a text by David Adam.
Written for St Mary's Schola (St Mary's College, Auckland).
Matariki (2009)
2 SATB choirs and
piano
This atmospheric work sets various traditional Maori texts to do with
Matariki (the Maori new year). Mixing clusters of notes with more
conventional melodic writing, this piece creates an aural picture of the
stars at night. Written for Choralation (Westlake Girls' and Boys' High
Schools).
Bring Us In
Good Ale (2009)
TBB, congas, piano
Setting a fourteenth century text, this energetic piece mixes
two-in-a-bar and three-in-a-bar rhythms throughout. Written for Mainly
Men of Rangitoto College.
Off to Outer
Space Tomorrow Morning (2009)
TBB, piano
A lighter setting in ballad style. The thoughts and feelings of an
astronaut as he prepares to depart on a space journey.
This Bread
I Break (2008)
SATB unaccompanied
A short communion anthem, setting a Dylan Thomas poem.
The Cruiser (2008)
SATB unaccompanied
A setting, somewhat in teh style of a sea-shanty, of a nineteenth
century New Zealand poem about a small boat making its way into port.
Written for Waitomo Caves Choir.
The Hidden (2008)
SATB, organ (or
piano)
Commissioned by the 2008 Many Choirs Festival (a combined church choirs
event), this piece sets a text by noted New Zealand writer Joy Cowley
from her collection 'Psalms Down Under'..
Blessing (2008)
SATB unaccompanied
This short blessing was written to by sung by members of Auckland Choral
at the funeral of a choir member. Simple part-writing and simple
harmonies, are used to create a gentle and reflective setting of the
text by Wellington poet and Catholic sister Anne Powell.
Canticle 5 (2008)
soprano, oboe, piano
Commissioned as part of the "Stations of the Cross" exhibition at the
Gus Fisher Gallery *University of Auckland)( this work is based on the
2nd station - Jesus receives the cross, and sets the line of text
"Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and
for your children."
Undercurrent (2008)
flute, alto
saxophone, bassoon, cello and piano
Commissioned by New Plymouth Boys High School for a group of top
performance students, this lively and engaging work gives each
instrument in the unusual chamber ensemble a chance to shine.
Bow Low, Mary (2008)
SSAA unaccompanied
This piece was written for the Nasereci Ladies Choir in Fiji who had
performed other choral works of mine with some success in local
competitions. It has reasonably easy vocal lines, and sets a traditional
Afro-American spiritual text.
A
Treble-Voice Liturgy (2008)
2-part treble voices,
organ (or piano)
Written for Auckland Boys Choir, this set of nine movements covers the
essential liturgical music for an Anglican service. It includes pieces
for responses to the reading, acclamations and dismissal. Some optional
additional instrumental parts are included.
Count Me the
Stars (2008)
SSAA, guitar
Commissioned by Kristin School in Auckland, this works sets the poem of
the same name by Australian poet Kylie Johnson.
Full Moon
Rhyme (2008)
SSA, piano
This atmospheric setting of the poem by Australian Judith Wright was
written for Leading Notes choir at Westlake Girls High School.
Relatively easy voice leading, and an impressionistic piano part.
Christmas
Crackers (2007)
solo soprano,
mixed-voice choir and piano (with optional harp)
A cycle of nine Christmas pieces, with a special emphasis on texts which
relate to the experience of children and Christmas. The texts range from
the Afro-American traditional of spirituals, through Victorian poetry,
to modern humorous lyrics. The cycle has been written for South Auckland
Choral Society for premiere in early December 2007.
The Road to
Bethlehem (2007)
for SAB choir and
organ (or piano)
A cycle of seven Christmas pieces which tell of many of the more
traditional elements of the Christmas story: the shepherds, the angels
etc. The texts are drawn from a variety of sources. Written for the
Hibiscus Coast Singers, this is scheduled for premiere in early December
2007.
The Bogeyman (2007)
2-part treble voices
and brass band (or piano)
Composed for Auckland Boys Choir
to sing in a Proms-style concert with the Dalewool Auckland Brass, this
piece sets a poem by Jack Prelutsky from his poetry collection
"Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep".
Night Watch
Song (2007)
2-part male voices
(TB), and piano
This piece sets five of the six verses of ‘The Night Watch Song of the
“Charlotte Jane”’ by James Edward Fitzgerald, a nineteenth century
immigrant to New Zealand. He sets the poem on the boat in which he
travelled to New Zealand. The music uses a rhythmic 'sea shanty' style.
My Other Jandal (2007)
SATB unaccompanied
A fun piece setting a poem by NZ poet Don Franks. Just why does only one
jandal always get lost?!
Not Made With
Hands (2007)
SSA (or SAB), piano
A setting of NZ poet Ruth Gilbert's poem which often appears in poetry
anthologies. Lyrical vocal writing is underpinned with rippling piano
arpeggios.
The Moon
Always Follows the Sun (2007)
SAB, piano
A lively setting, using jazzy calypso-influenced rhythms, of an African
poem:
"Calm down,
little brother, Time heals all wounds.
No matter how much one is weeping, The moon always follows the sun."
Whakarongo ki
te reo (2007)
SATB, organ (or piano)
Written for the choir at St Luke's Church Remuera in Auckland, this
setting takes sources from Maori hymns and the book of Matthew. The text
relates to Palm Sunday although could be used on other occasions.
Published works
These works
have been commercially published by a music publisher. Copies should be
available from a good sheet music retailer or choral music specialist.
Copies can also be obtained direct from the composer.
SULASOL (Finland)
Upper voices (SA, SSA, SSAA)
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A
Celtic Blessing (1995) SSAA (SULASOL S392)
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Alleluia (1985) SSAA (SULASOL S641)
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Ave
Maria (1993) solo sop., 2-part choir (or SSA), piano (or organ)
(SULASOL S427)
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Be
With Me Lord! (1999) SSAA (SULASOL S639)
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Bound for Canaan Land (2003) SSAA (SULASOL S1054)
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Christmas Cradle Song (1996) SA (SULASOL S540A)
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Daniel Saw the Stone (2005) SSA (SULASOL S1304)
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Don't You Let Nobody Turn You Roun' (2004) SSAA (SULASOL S1305)
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E pari ra (2003)
solo soprano, SSA, piano (arrangement of the Maori song) (SULASOL
S1631) (new in 2011)
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Got a
Home In That Rock (1997) solo soprano, SSAA (SULASOL S501)
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Läksin Minä Kesäyönä Käymään (1989) 2 SSA choirs (SULASOL S341)
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O Vos
Omnes (1991/92) SSAA or SSATB (SULASOL S428)
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Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day (1999) SSA, guitar (or piano)
(SULASOL S1056)
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The Christmas Star
(2000) Sa, flute and piano (SULASOL S1578 (new in 2011)
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This
Old Hammer (1983) SSAA (SULASOL S640)
Male voices
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Across the Line (Three New Zealand Folksongs) (2005) TTBB
(SULASOL S1303)
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Alleluia (1984) antiphonal men's voices, horn, organ (SULASOL S642)
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Four New Zealand Maori
Songs (2001) TTBB (SULASOL S1632) (new in 2011)
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I'm A-Going to Join the Band (2005) solo baritone, TBB, piano
(SULASOL S1306)
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May
The Road Rise To Meet You (1990) TTBB (SULASOL S498)
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Time Pieces (2004) TTBB, piano (SULASOL 1316)
Mixed voices
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A
New Commandment (2003) solo soprano and baritone, SATB
(SULASOL S1302)
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Caliban's Song (1988) SSAATTBB (SULASOL S499)
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Christmas Cradle Song (1996) SATB, organ (or piano) (SULASOL S540B)
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Got a Home in That Rock (1997/2000) version for solo soprano, SATB
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Love
Came Down At Christmas (1991) SAB, organ (SULASOL S539)
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Lux
Aeterna (1979) SSAATB (SULASOL S500)
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Me he manu rere (2009)
SATB (arrangement of the Maori song) (SULASOL S1580) (new in
2011)
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Set Me as a Seal (1999) SSATB
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Veni, Sancte Spiritus (2000) SSATB (SULASOL S1315)
BRILEE MUSIC (USA)
COLLA VOCE MUSIC (USA)
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A
Song Of Ruth (1991) SAB (Colla Voce Music 21-20402)
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May
The Road Rise To Meet You (1990) SSAA (optional guitar) (Colla Voce
Music 21-20207)
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May
The Road Rise To Meet You (1990) SATB and organ (Colla Voce Music
21-20106)
EARTHSONGS (USA)
KJOS MUSIC (USA)
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
(UK)
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Lullaby Carol (in "World Carols for Choirs")
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The
First Christmas (in "Christmas Voiceworks")
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We Three Camels (in
"For Him All Stars")
WALTON MUSIC (USA)
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An Irish Blessing (HL08501525)
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Only the Moon has Secrets (HL08501534)
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The Moon is Silently Singing (HL08501530)
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